No Sandmining Bream Bay
8,000 signatures in just 8 weeks! Add your voice today 👇
Help protect our precious coastlines by signing the petition to stop destructive sand mining in Bream Bay, which includes Waipu Cove, Langs Beach and Ruakākā.
Sand mining destroys sea floors, erodes coastal protections, and threatens the habitats of critically endangered species like the tara iti - our most endangered bird with less than 40 left.
We, the undersigned, call upon our elected officials in the Whangārei District Council, Northland Regional Council, Shane Reti (MP for Whangārei), Grant McCallum (MP for Northland), the Coalition Government and other relevant governing bodies to:
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Collectively and individually oppose the granting of any marine sand mining consents to McCallum Bros Limited under the Fast Track process or the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for Bream Bay.
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Promote, support and encourage the use of existing and new sand alternatives, methods and models to shift towards a circular economy.
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Ensure that all relevant information is provided to decision-making panels, including:
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A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis assessing the full economic, environmental, cultural, social impacts of this proposal.
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Independent assessments on the ecological, economic, and cultural significance of Bream Bay, including its role as habitat for threatened and migratory species, its marine ecosystems, importance to biodiversity and fisheries, and its recreational value.
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Independent assessments of risks and liabilities associated with the proposed sand mining activities, including long-term consequences for marine ecosystems, coastal communities and climate change.
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Represent the interests of the region at any hearings or consultations with the EPA or Fast Track decision-making panels, and pursue appeals if necessary.
Why is this so urgent?
McCallum Bros Ltd (MBL), an Auckland-based mining company, is planning to extract 9 million cubic meters of sand from the seabed in Bream Bay over the next 35 years. Their proposal includes dredging up to five nights a week, for six hours at a time, with all the sand being sold to Auckland's construction industry.
This operation is expected to generate $270 million in revenue, or approximately $7.7 million annually, for MBL. Meanwhile, Bream Bay will see no benefits—only lasting harm. The dredging will cause irreversible damage to marine life, fish populations, and surf breaks, devastating the local ecosystem.
MBL is seeking consent for this project through the fast-track process, which excludes public consultation. This means we have no say in whether they can take our sand, destroy marine habitats, and damage our seabed.
McCallum Bros Ltd's proposal will be presented to government in February 2025. We are at a critical moment.
Take action now — sign and share this petition to protect Bream Bay.
